MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — More than 30 members of the Oakland FFA Chapter traded their classrooms for the big stage this fall as they joined over 70,000 students from across the nation at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For the students and advisors from Oakland, the week was about much more than competition — it was about connection, leadership, and representing Tennessee agriculture on a national level.

Seventeen Oakland students competed across 12 different events, including Agriscience Fair, Livestock Evaluation, Food Science, Prepared Public Speaking, and Proficiency Awards. Additionally, seven Oakland members took the Student Showcase Stage, where they shared their Agriscience Fair research and highlighted innovations in Tennessee agriculture with attendees from across the country.

Oakland FFA’s competitive season was one for the record books. Members earned national finalist honors in multiple Agriscience Fair divisions, a Sheep Production Proficiency national finalist, and even a national championship.

National Honors and Recognitions

• National Winner: Emma Goff – Agriscience Fair, Social Systems Division III
• National Runners-Up: Kennedy Lewis & Mary Redmon – Agriscience Fair, Social Systems Division IV; Sarah Wheaton – Agriscience Fair, Plant Systems Division V; Christopher Gann – Sheep Production Proficiency
• Top 5 in the Nation: Annabeth Cruz – Agriscience Fair, Environmental Systems Division V; Madison Rich – Agriscience Fair, Plant Systems Division III
• Top 10 in the Nation: Lydia Moore – Agriscience Fair, Food Systems Division III
• National Silver Rankings:
• Food Science CDE: Sophia Markos, Sam Johnson, Sarah Buche, Kennedy Lewis
• Livestock Evaluation CDE: Mary Redmon, Christopher Gann, Emma Millican, Sarah Wheaton
• Prepared Public Speaking LDE: Annabelle Alexis

Several Oakland members were also recognized for their leadership and contributions on the national stage:

• Emma Millican served as a National Delegate on the Enhancement of Marketing and Messaging Committee, helping shape the future direction of the National FFA Organization.
• Abby DeBerry and Emma Millican were featured in the #SpeakAg Student Showcase Video, highlighting the power of student voices in agriculture.
• Five Oakland graduates — Lily Amstutz, Kyra Kleparek, Anna Grace Wells, Emma Markos, and Camden Thompson — received the American FFA Degree, the highest honor awarded to FFA members.

The chapter was also named a Two-Star National Chapter, a recognition reserved for programs that excel in premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

“Oakland FFA has always had a strong tradition of excellence, but this year was truly special,” said Emma Millican, Oakland FFA Chapter President. “Standing in Indianapolis surrounded by thousands of FFA members, I couldn’t have been prouder of our chapter. Every student who wore the Oakland jacket represented the Volunteer State with pride, passion, and the competitive spirit that defines what it means to be an Oakland Patriot.”

Behind the students’ success is a dedicated team of advisors: Gina Stewart, Bridget Vaughn, James Scott, Caitlin Laliberte, and Seth Dearden.

For Oakland FFA, the trip to Indianapolis wasn’t just the end of a competitive season — it was a celebration of leadership, hard work, and the bright future of Tennessee agriculture.